Come celebrate with us.

"The Griswold Inn, sometimes known as the 'Gris', is an inn with the most extraordinary atmosphere in the nation. Indeed it is doubtful if another inn can go so far back in the country's history. There is no other place to compare with the 'Gris' in atmosphere, in hospitality, in the excellence of its cuisine unless it is another 'Gris'." - ConnecticutAlmanac

One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, The Griswold Inn opened its doors for business in 1776 and has been catering to yachtsmen and overland travelers ever since. We are situated in the historic hamlet of Essex, nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. Anyone familiar with Essex knows it as an extraordinary town and The Griswold Inn - a very special place. Although the Inn exudes the charm of days gone by, we are anything but dated. From our sophisticated cuisine, extensive wine offerings, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities, The Griswold Inn offers the best of times.

Summer Social Saturdays

July 11th through September 5th - we'll stay open until 7:00 and offer light refreshment from 4:00 pm on. Some Saturdays we'll welcome special guest artists - authors and artisans - to join us for casual conversation. On others, we'll have special themes. And we'll always offer a social and sensational shopping experience! See Calendar of Events or Store page for more info.

Friday Happy Hours

Hunt Breakfast

Enjoy the thrill of the hunt each Sunday when a bountiful spread is laid out buffet-style. Breakfast is served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and reservations are suggested, 860.767.1776. Dixieland Jazz by Freight Train Five begins at noon!

Dixieland Sundays

Ivoryton Playhouse

A wonderful year-round professional theatre featuring music, comedy and drama. The theatre is located in the neighboring village of Ivoryton, just 2 miles down the road! "South Pacific" plays from July 1st through July 28th. For ticket info, 860.767.7318 or visit ivorytonplayhouse.org. See our "Stay & Play" Package for more.

Join us in our Award-Winning Tap Room!

From the GRIS Blog

In the northeastern corner of Italy, you are able to experience the bright coastal towns of the Adriatic, along with grasslands, pastures, rolling hills and finally the grand framework of the Alps all in a day’s drive. Welcome to Friuli. This seldom-explored wine area is officially known as: Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (Free-oo-lee Veh-netz-ee-ah Gwee-yee-ah). Let’s explore a [...] View ->

In recent years, the green-skinned grape Sauvignon Blanc has been widely planted throughout various regions of the globe. From its humble beginnings in southwest France, it has been classically featured in Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre and Touraine in the Lorie Valley and Graves, Entre-Deux-Mers and Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux, to new world offerings in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, [...] View ->

Once again, it is the time for our seasonal Festival of Game menu featured every year in the month of December at The Griswold Inn. This is the perfect opportunity to try a variety of game offerings, as well as to taste some well-matched wines with one ultimate objective in mind: to elevate your dining [...] View ->